PDP begins reform, okays e-registration of members

PDP begins reform, okays e-registration of members 24 Aug 2015 12:56 AM  THE National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has embraced telecommunications technology for the registration of party members across the country. This mode of registration by members was once suggested by members of a group within the party, known as the PDP Renewal Group, but was rejected by the national leadership of the party and its governors. Also, some stakeholders of the party had insisted that this mode of registration must be introduced by the party. In fact, following the dismal performance of the party during the last general elections, some members of the party have been calling for the sacking of the NWC in order to give another set of leaders the opportunity to pilot the party’s affairs. Last week, the steering committee of Restart PDP Project, another pressure group within the party, submitted a blueprint to the governors and some prominent members of the party. The group, which is headed by Mr. Nwosu Emmanuel and Dennis Ukpabio, insisted that the online registration must be brought back, among other reforms it suggested. The group said, “The constitution (of the party) must provide for compulsory online membership registration. Computerised/digital membership registers must be maintained at all levels of the party structure, with a national party member’s database maintained at the national secretariat.” On Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, issued a statement, saying that the party had agreed to start the online registration. He said that Edo State would be used as a pilot for the project, a development he said would result in the deferment of earlier scheduled congresses in the state. Metuh said the decision to resuscitate the e-registration project was part of the efforts to rebuild the party. He said, “The National Working Committee after very wide consultations with critical stakeholders, and in line with the wishes and aspirations of our teeming supporters across the country, has approved the resuscitation of the e-registration project. “This project, which was initially presented in the 52nd National Executive Committee meeting of our great party on August 12, 2010, is aimed, among other things, at harmonising our membership data, returning ownership of the party to the people and strengthening our various structures at all levels across the country.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: editor@punchng.com